On September 2, 2023, Jim died following a lengthy hospitalization and hospice stay. He was born October 31, 1941, to the late Frances (Cinquegrani) and John King of Baltimore, Maryland.
He leaves his wife of 49 years, Marcia (Rahner) King. Jim was a devoted father to 5 children, doting grandfather to 10 grandchildren, beloved friend, and neighbor to many throughout his years in Tewksbury.
He is survived by siblings Elizabeth (Betty King) Coleman and husband Ronald, Sr. of Delaware; and brother Wayne King and wife Lori of Maryland. He leaves his children; son Michael King and wife Sharon (Skinner) King of Pepperell; son Robert King of Overland Park, Kansas; son Thomas King and wife Nancy (Oakes) King of Exeter, New Hampshire; daughter Krista (King) Lewis and husband Peter of Oxford; daughter Kindra King and husband Adam Folta of Durham, North Carolina; and grandchildren, Robert King, Jr, Robin King, Deanna King, Derek King, Tyler Lewis, Abby Lewis, Zachry Lewis, Jason King, Olivia King, Remy Folta-King. Two great grandchildren, Miles and Alison Canfield. He was favorite Uncle Jimmy to many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Jacqueline (King) Yommer and brothers William King and Robert King.
Jim enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren more than anything. Family was top priority for Jim, and he would often surprise his siblings, nieces, and nephews while traveling the East Coast for work. He loved taking his grandsons to do “guy stuff” on weekends, which was his way of checking items off his never-ending list of errands while making it an exciting adventure for the boys. He had a huge soft spot for his daughters and granddaughters, and would give them the moon, if they ever asked for it.
When not with family, he would spend countless hours with his golf buddies, traveling to St. Andrews, Arizona, Myrtle Beach and other destinations, as well as many popular local courses. He was also a beloved neighbor to many over his 40 plus years on Meredith Road, and loved celebrating his birthday on Halloween by going trick or treating with his grandchildren, or his own children when they were younger. Dubbed “the Good Doctor” by his two sons-in-law for his wealth of wisdom, random knowledge, and sage advice; he was often sought out for his opinions on any variety of topics by friends, family, or neighbors, He enjoyed owning and training dogs as family pets, owning multiple throughout his life, most German Shepherds or GSD mixes. He was an avid animal lover and passed that trait on to his children and grandchildren.
There is so much to say about our father, husband, grandfather, friend, and neighbor; his life story could never be encapsulated into a single paragraph. At this time no services are planned, but a Celebration of Life will be held for close friends and family at a later, yet to be determined date, where we can all come together and share our favorite stories and memories to celebrate him, and our love for him. He was a great man, and his spirit will continue to live on in every person that loved him, for eternity. We would like to thank the staff at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, and the Kaplan Family Hospice House for their outstanding support and compassion for our family.
So Jim, the cars are filled with gas, and we have checked the oil. The trash has been taken out, and we checked the mail. The dog has been fed and walked, and we’ll remember to lock the doors when we go to bed. We’ll see you in our dreams.
At his request, there will be no services at this time. Arrangements by Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, 978-851-2061.